Air Force

This week in history

Feb. 26, 2009: Services Squadron redesignated

Five years ago this week the 56th Services Squadron was redesignated the 56th Force Support Squadron. Part of the process was the inactivation of the 56th Mission Support Squadron. The new squadron included the functions, people and equipment of the inactivated unit.

In 2007, the U.S. Air Force began testing the force support concept at several bases. The goal was to streamline processes, maximize customer service and cut costs. Almost all of the flights saw no change other than the squadron designation. Manpower savings were expected in training programs and readiness programs, which merged. Therefore, customers of most services formerly offered by the two units were expected to see no changes.

The 56th SVS was an older unit than the 56th MSS by less than one year. Therefore, it was redesignated as the new squadron. In fact, it was one of the original 56th Fighter Wing squadrons. It and the wing activated on the same day, Aug. 15, 1947, at Selfridge Air Force Base, Mich.

The 56th SVS was activated again April 8, 1967, at Nakhon Phanon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand and inactivated Feb. 28, 1975, only to be reactivated four months later on June 30 at MacDill AFB, Fla. That was the same date the wing moved to MacDill AFB.

The Air Force consolidated the history of the three squadrons into the 56th Services Squadron on Oct. 10, 1984.

On Aug. 15, 1988, the old 56th BSVS FJ, was redesignated as the 56th MSS was activated at MacDill AFB. The 56th SVS was redesignated the 56th Morale, Welfare, Recreation and Services Squadron on Sept. 4, 1992. Both squadrons were inactivated on Jan. 4, 1994, in preparation for the wing’s move.

The 56th MWRSVS reactivated as the 56th SVS April 1, 1994, at Luke AFB. The 56th MSS also reactivated the same day and remained until 2009. Today’s 56th FSS provides myriad services that support the entire base’s population.

Senior AirmanJAMES HENSLEY Staff Sgt. Maddie Baker, 56th Dental Squadron acting commander secretary was an Air Force Honor Guard member prior to crossing over to the dental field. As the commander’s secretary, she plays a piv...

The Archer-Ragsdale Arizona Chapter of Tuskegee Airman Inc. celebrated the 2nd Annual Tuskegee Airman Commemoration Day with a wreath ceremony Wednesday at the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Air Park. The Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day is the result of legislation signed into law by former Arizona Governor Janice Brewer in 2013 and is the first such law...

Hawaii In January a team of intelligence Airmen began building the Pacific Air Forces’ first air watch capability. They shared a small computer nestled inside a cramped workspace. It was recently completed, and the team stood up and operated a 24-hour Pacific air watch. California Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen launched an unarmed LGM-30G...

Editor’s Note: The “People First” section is compiled from information from the Air Force Personnel Center, TRICARE, 56th Force Support Squadron, Airman and Family Readiness Flight, Veterans Affairs, the civilian personnel office and armed forces news services. For the complete story, click on the link in the title. Air Force COOL program kicks off The Community...

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